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Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Biiju Maharaj died recently. He was the doyen of which one of the following Gharanas of Kathak?
Explanation
Pandit Birju Maharaj (1938–2022) was the legendary doyen and most prominent face of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Kathak. Born into a family of illustrious dancers, he was the son of Acchan Maharaj and the nephew of Shambhu and Lachhu Maharaj, all of whom were celebrated exponents of the Lucknow style. This specific gharana developed under the patronage of the Nawabs of Oudh and is characterized by its emphasis on grace, elegance, 'Bhava' (expression), and 'Abhinaya'. While other major gharanas include Jaipur, known for its technical footwork, and Banaras, known for its 'Natwari' style, Birju Maharaj is credited with globalizing the Lucknow school's unique blend of storytelling and rhythmic virtuosity. His passing in early 2022 marked the end of an era for Indian classical dance.